Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and PJ Washington all had big moments Friday at American Airlines Center.
Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green dunks the ball during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the LA Clippers, Friday, April 26, 2024, in Dallas.First they flopped in Los Angeles, then they punched back in Game 2, so you were justified to wonder which Mavs would show up forThe Mavs’ lob game, snuffed out by Tyronn Lue’s defense in the series’ first two games, returned with a vengeance in a 101-90 win that gave the Mavs a 2-1 series lead.
The third look was a doozy: First he hooked Luka, spinning him 180 degrees, then shot a hand to Luka’s chest when the latter confronted him with his hands up. That brought in P.J. Washington, who has a history with Westbrook in this series, you could say. He shoved Westbrook, who shoved back.Makes you question which team really is the most experienced. The Clips’ quartet of Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden has more playoff experience than the Mavs’ roster.
“We’re just focusing on what’s in front of us,” he said, “and that’s tonight and what we’re trying to protect.”How’s this for protection: In the second half, George blew past Luka on a beautiful crossover, leaving him a wide-open path to the basket. Arm cocked, ball high, eyebrows raised, George soared toward the rim . . . only to watch Gafford, out of nowhere, smack the ball and the high-flying effort.Or this: After a confrontation that led to double technicals on P.J.
The quality of their defense meant the Mavs didn’t need an outrageous night from the league’s leading scorer. For that matter, Luka made only 7 of 25 shots for 22 points, though, in fairness, he took the brunt of the Clippers’ chutzpah. Limped off in the first quarter holding his right knee, though he returned later. Irving, who followed up with 21, had just two deep into the third quarter.
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